Cracked heels develop due to a lack of moisture and therefore reduction of suppleness in the skin around your heels.
Therefore in order to treat your cracked heels you need to remove the affected hard skin and then rehydrate it.
Removing the hard skin makes it easier for the cracks to heal as callus around the edges can increase the stress and pull the edges further apart, making it difficult for the crack to ‘close’.
Removing the hard, inflexible skin around the cracks also reduces the discomfort as it prevents further stress and opening of the cracked skin.
The removal will also improve the appearance of your heels as the thick, hard, callused and often discoloured skin surrounding the cracks can be unsightly.
If your hard cracked skin is too thick to remove with a foot file, please book an appointment with a podiatrist who will be able to remove it painlessly.
Using a moisturiser to rehydrate the top layer of your skin is also important. As cracks on the heels often occur in particularly callused skin, specialist products with higher levels of moisturising ingredients are advised. These creams can restore the condition of the skin by breaking down the bonds that hold the skin cells together and increase the hydration of the skin.
Occlusive moisturising ingredients such as lanolin are ideal for cracked heels as they work by forming an oily barrier over the skin surface and prevent the evaporation of water. Products containing high levels of a humectant, usually urea, should be used to intensively rehydrate the dry skin.
Dr Anders intensive rescue balm also contains an ingredient called Dermosoft® decalact – a natural antimicrobial ingredient to soothe the cracks and help prevent them from becoming infected.
Read more about Dr Anders intensive rescue balm •here•
Once the skin on your heels has been restored to its normal supple and hydrated condition, you should continue to use a moisturiser to help prevent the reoccurence of the cracked hard skin.
If you are particularly prone to cracked heels you should consider wearing footwear which provides some protection to your heel.
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